Mike Bloom, GPM Investments

As executive vice president, chief marketing and merchandising officer at GPM Investments, Mike Bloom helps lead one of the country’s largest convenience store chains, which has  more than 1,000 company-operated stores.

Bloom began his retail career in 1980 as a store manager at Shoppers Drug Mart. Following an acquisition, he joined People’s Drug Stores, which was later acquired by CVS Pharmacy. At CVS, he rose to executive vice president and chief merchandising, marketing and supply chain officer. He later served as president and chief operating officer of Family Dollar Stores and as chief executive officer of Fred’s Pharmacy. After a brief retirement, an introduction to Arie Kotler, chairman and CEO of GPM and now its parent company ARKO Corp. “brought me back to a role I love.”

His focus is on delivering results by staying “laser-focused on three things: our team, our supplier partners, and, of course, our customers.” “Ultimately, great results come from great people making great decisions with the customer at the center of everything we do,” he says.

“Without question, the most rewarding part of my role is the people,” he adds. After more than four decades in retail, he sees himself as “a coach, mentor and friend,” helping his team grow “into the next generation of leaders.”

Three recent accomplishments make him proud. The new fas REWARDS loyalty app, launched in March, has grown to about 2.4 million enrolled members. The Fueling America’s Future program offers members savings of up to $2.50 per gallon when select products are purchased, and the new and exciting fas craves food destination for delicious hot prepared breakfast sandwiches, chicken tenders, burgers and drinks. All reflect what he says retail should be about: “understanding what matters to the customer, creating meaningful value, and then executing well as a team.”